The Miao are one of the most fascinating ethnic minorities in China. Recently, I found a Miao handicrafts shop on Yandai Xiejie. I was impressed by their silver ornaments and wax printing works.

The shop owner Mr. Zhang was dressed in the Miao traditional dress. He told me that Miao silver ornaments have a history of 400 years. The Miao have a variety of items that can brighten up your look from head to toe: silver headdresses, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, clothing accessories, waistbands, and anklets.

Miao girls are very partial to silver jewelry, as they see silver as a symbol of purity. And according to Miao customs, the larger, heavier, and more plentiful silver ornaments are considered the most beautiful.

Mr. Zhang showed me a pair of silver earrings. They feature long, beautiful twin birds. The silver threads are as thin as hair. Every detail is so fine.

The headdresses looked pretty heavy. I was afraid to wear any one of them, and it¡¯s not a good idea if you have a slender neck.

The blue cloth items with white patterns are actually wax printings. The patterns show beautiful flowers and Miao girls.

The cloth is made in a unique way: they draw an image on a piece of fabric with wax, and dip the fabric into a vat that contains dark blue dye. The parts of the fabric with wax cannot be dyed, so it will show off a gorgeous white pattern when the wax is removed.

At last, here¡¯s a tip to identify a real wax printing: Take a close look at a real wax painting work, you will find a number of fine, irregular blue crackles on the white area. They are caused when folding the wax-covered area, and the blue dye seizes the opportunity to permeate through the cracks.

The shop provides both wholesale and retail services. They offer a wide variety of silver jewelry for customers to select. All silver items are neatly arranged in glass showcases. They can be divided into two categories: pure silver and platinum-guilt S925. The center is a good place to choose presents and souvenirs. Prices are inexpensive.

Retail customers should know that if they purchase for RMB 2000 of silver for

The shop is spread on two floors. On the first, they carry pure gold, diamonds, platinum, and jade. On the second level, they offer silver jewelry. All items are designed and made by Beijing Huiboli Jewelry Co., Ltd. Quality is guaranteed.

When customers purchase RMB 1000 of merchandise for the first time, they benefit from wholesale prices.

Love in Snow is a shop carries a comprehensive offer of inexpensive jewelry. Most are made in silver, some are gold plated. The prices are lower than those at similar jewelry stores. All silver earrings are offered at RMB 59. I was informed that customers can even get a slight discount if they bargain a bit.

Earrings are so inexpensive, I wasn¡¯t sure if they were made of pure silver. The shop assistant showed me the silver stamp on the pair I had chosen. I bought them, still slightly doubtful of their silver contents. I have to say they told me the truth: after wearing my earrings a full day, I haven¡¯t noticed any problem. Had the earrings been made of cheap metal, my skin would have reacted badly.

Deep Water Bay offers silver jewelry. What makes this shop so special is that all their products are hand-made. Hand-made jewelry is not as sparkling as regular silver bauble; there is a natural feeling to it.

When you get bored of your sparkling and shining necklaces, earrings and rings, it is a good idea to take a look at Deep Water Bay.

Their prices are not expensive at all, with most of the products priced at less than RMB 100. Of course, that is assuming you already are in Beijing!

Beijing Shopping: The Miao are one of the most fascinating ethnic minorities in China. Recently, I found a Miao handicrafts shop on Yandai Xiejie. I was impressed by their silver ornaments and wax printing works.